Description
The TPC Tee Piece is a compact brass fitting made to add an electric element to a radiator or towel rail while still allowing a conventional thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) to be used. It’s a simple mechanical adaptor that gives you a dedicated port for a heating element in dual‑fuel installations, so the towel rail or radiator can be heated electrically when the central heating is off. The same tee also accepts a TRV or, when a TRV is not needed, the supplied blanking plug to keep the system sealed.
Manufactured in brass with three finish options — Anthracite (TPC‑A), Black (TPC‑B) and Chrome (TPC‑C) — the fitting is aimed at domestic radiator and towel‑rail installations where appearance and a watertight connection matter as much as basic functionality. O‑ring seals are fitted to both the tee and the blanking plug so installers do not need to use PTFE tape to achieve a reliable seal.
Key specifications
- Connection: 1/2″ BSP thread
- Material: Brass with Anthracite, Black or Chrome finish
- Sealing: O‑ring seals (no PTFE tape required)
- Orientation: Suitable for horizontal or vertical installation
- Operating pressure: up to 10 bar
- Maximum temperature: 120°C
- Warranty: 1 year
How it works and where it fits
Fit the tee in place of, or alongside, the normal radiator connection at the base of a radiator or towel rail. One branch takes the radiator inlet/outlet, the second branch accepts a standard electric heating element and the third accepts a TRV or the supplied blanking plug. With the element installed and wired, the radiator can be run electrically independently of the central heating. The tee is compatible with standard electric heating elements and standard TRVs that use 1/2″ BSP connections; always check the thread and element dimensions before purchase.
Installation and safety points
Installation is straightforward for a qualified plumber working in a drained system: tighten with a spanner and rely on the O‑ring seals rather than PTFE tape. Electrical work must be carried out by a qualified electrician: the specification and product literature are clear that the electric element must be installed in accordance with current regulations and protected by a 30 mA RCD. The warranty does not cover faults caused by improper installation, so follow plumbing and electrical best practice and local regulations.
Finish, care and limitations
The three finishes are designed to match modern radiator hardware; the Anthracite and Black options suit darker contemporary rails while Chrome matches polished fittings. While the brass construction gives good longevity, the published care guidance recommends only mild soapy water and a soft cloth — avoid abrasive cleaners or acids that will damage the finish and possibly the O‑rings. The product is intended as a mechanical connector rather than a performance part, so dimensions and clearances (element length, radiator valve centres and the space behind the rail) should be checked to ensure the element will physically fit and the finish meets the installer’s needs.
Maintenance and aftercare
Periodically inspect the O‑rings and the threaded joints for signs of seepage and re‑tighten if necessary. If an O‑ring shows wear or the finish is damaged, contact a qualified plumber for repair — the manufacturer covers manufacturing defects for one year but excludes damage from incorrect installation or handling. Recycle the fitting in line with local regulations when it is removed.
